Category: Kingdom Perspectives
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The Time of Visitation: Dusty Feet, Judgment, and Peace in the Mission of Jesus (Part 1)
When you enter any town or village, find out who is worthy, and stay there until you leave. Greet a household when you enter it, and if the household is worthy, let your peace be on it. But if it is unworthy, let your peace return to you. (Matthew 10:11-15) Thus far we’ve been examining…
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Invisible, Spiritual, Actual, Real: The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near
Jesus sent out these 12 after giving them instructions: “Don’t take the road leading to other nations, and don’t enter any Samaritan town. Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, announce this: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with…
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Called, Commissioned, and Turned Upside Down: Jesus’ Mission and the Redefinition of Power
Jesus sent out these 12 after giving them instructions: “Don’t take the road leading to other nations, and don’t enter any Samaritan town. Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, announce this: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with…
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Foundation Stones: The 12 Apostles and the Mission of the Church
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness … These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As…
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Pray the Lord of the Harvest: The Harvest, the Need, and the Need to Be Sent
When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38) Ever…
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Sheep Without a Shepherd: Jesus’s Mission and the Rescue of Israel, Part 1
Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36) This passage is the…
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Too Many Demons and the Bigger Story of the Bible: Understanding Deliverance in Jesus’ Ministry
Just as they were going out, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him. When the demon had been driven out, the man spoke. (Matthew 9:32-33) Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about our need to stop and notice what’s weird in Scripture, especially in the gospels. When we don’t, our…
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Not Dead But Sleeping: The Creative Power of God’s Word
When Jesus came to the leader’s house, He saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly. “Leave,” He said, “because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” And they started laughing at Him. But when the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.…
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The End of Separation: The Deeper Meaning of Faith and Healing
Note: This blog is a labor of love, but it costs money and time to produce each week. If it’s a blessing to you, would you consider becoming a monthly sponsor? You can donate an amount of your choosing, in Canadian or US dollars. Visit Support to learn more! As He was telling them these…
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Weak and Wounded, Sick and Sore: Why Jesus Says Sinners Are Sick, and What That Means for the Gospel and for Us
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to…